Disney World is a strange and wonderful land of paradoxes. It’s one of the most congested places found on Planet Florida. Yet introverts like me flock there for vacations and even thrive in the themed environments.
How do we homebodies and magical introverts navigate a place of crowds and constant stimulation? One secret is that we keep an eye on our social batteries. When we reach the limit of what we can handle, it’s time to seek shelter.
That’s one secret about Disney World. There are quiet spots and contemplative vistas purposely added to the layout, because maybe Walt and his Imagineers felt the need for santuary too. Thankfully, their designs had us in mind.
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite hidden spots in Disney World to escape the hustle and bustle and regenerate:
- Living With The Land: A sensory treasure trove in Epcot for those suffering from an overload of culture and Frozen. There’s the dark ride relaxation section with actual rain and wind background noise. The smells of the garden. The slow boat tour, floating, is perfect for a brain reboot. The entire Land Pavillion can be restorative.
2. The Contemporary Resort: This resort offers a treasure trove of small isolated islands that transport you out of the hustle and bustle of Disney Life. The sitting areas at the end of the Monorail Concourse, past the gift shops, provide a great place to park yourself in Disney theming without the toll that crowds take. (Look how happy that weirdo with glasses is.) It’s modern with a travel vibe and a retro-sci-fi feel. The 60s-style couches near the check-in desk are another great spot. And all within walking distance of The Magic Kingdom.
3. Baseline Taphouse: The adult alcove between toyland and space cowboy land. Order some fine California IPAs and a few snacks. Need a break from the sun and heat? Scout out a spot on the dark wood and watch people struggle outside. Or grab an outdoor table in the bier garden. In years past, this location was a lounge themed like a Writer’s Room. So do a little journaling or thinking while you are here. As soon as you finish that last sip, you’ll be better positioned to appreciate the rest of this small, busy park.
4. Jock Lindsey’s: It took me a while to figure out Jock’s Place. It’s a massive waterfront building in Disney Springs. I thought it was a sit-down restaurant, but later discovered it’s just a massive bar with lots of space to spread out. Thematic drinks from Indiana Jones’ adventures. Some amazing snack plates. You can sit in a boat, a diving bell, inside or along the water, watching cars slide into the lake. Enjoy nearby live performers. Sit where you want for as long as you need to recharge.
5. Nomad Lounge: An oasis in the middle of the hot and dry Animal Kingdom. Bar seating, comfortable lawn furniture indoors and out along the water. Bites inspired by exotic locales, equatorial drinks, and some Old Elephant Foot beer. It’s another base camp when you return from the summit or an alien planet and require a cool down.
6. The Living Seas: Sometimes millions of gallons of water is the only thing that can rinse the social anxiety from your brain. There are so many quiet observation spots here. It’s a big place that rarely feels crowded. Whale songs playing over the melodic sound of bubbling water. (Fish must love it.) The feeling of being underwater and underground can make you feel secure again. The fish don’t ask anything of you. Watch them go about their contemplative lives while burying some of your worries in the sandy bottoms.
7. Le Petite Cafe: A peaceful European getaway in The Rivera Resort. Accessible from the skyliner. Try the Almond Cold Brew with house-made honey-almond whipped cream. Doesn’t that sound like calm in a cup. And there’s another secret just around the corner, you can bring your coffee to a study nearby. It’s a Walt Themed mini-library in which to unpack your thoughts. Note: This is a stand-in for the many chill lounges and coffee shops at Disney Resorts.
8. WDW Quick-Service Restaurants: Disney World probably added more restaurants to the blueprints than we needed. But that’s resulted in quiet and themed areas where you can shelter in place for a while. Some of these less fancy spots feature upstairs alcoves that aren’t as heavily used. Many of them also pack some serious atmosphere. Check out the upper decks at Pizza Rizzo’s and Columbia Harbor House. There are better places to grab a full meal, but these are great locales to savor a snack pizza or shrimp skewer and a cold drink. Go find a far-flung booth that leaves you feeling like the only family in the park.
9. The Deep Bush in Animal Kingdom: At times, we all find ourselves lost in the jungle. Instead of going in circles, stop and listen to the gurgle of a stream and get the latest gossip from the animals. The Oasis is the first stretch of greenery beyond the front gates. Few people stop, but there are a lot of peaceful vistas here to recoup your sanity. Retreat. The Monkey Temple and the animal trails in Africa and Asia offer additional locations to take your brain offline for a few precious seconds. Trust the animals to handle it. Check out some verdant spots behind the Tree of Life too.
10. The PeopleMover: The ride that some people may mistake for a bus stop. It’s much more. The Tomorrowland PeopleMover is a constant flow of booths that take you through Walt’s brain. You’ll take a leisurely ride past miniature cities that represent Walt’s vision for all of our futures. And that backstage tour of Space Mountain is a relaxing chance to listen to other parkgoers scream their heads off. The crowds can’t reach you here and you can choose to go round again if your brain still hasn’t fully reset.
The Introvert’s Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney World veterans already have a list of their emergency retreats. It turns out, doing less in Walt Disney World actually makes you appreciate it more. The secret is especially true for the wallflowers, the emo folks who still seek adventure and inspiration.
Here are some of the places that didn’t make my list, but are honorable mentions (most in Epcot). The Gardens in Epcot World Showcase found at The UK Pavilion and The China Pavilion. All the museums in Epcot. The best bathrooms in Walt Disney World like in the Norway Pavillion or at the back of the Imagination Pavillion. The bathrooms feature background music!
Claim these points of solitude and harvest Disney Inspiration without losing your soul in the crowd. Close your eyes, journal, meditate, people-watch, or simply breathe. END
There is plenty of creativity and sanctum spots to be had in Disney World. Even some inspiration to take home with you. Check out my page of Disney World journaling prompts and everyday Disney World inspirations on my Overheard Disney World Inspiration Page.